it was the 2010 midterm elections. this is not about what happened in the next four years, but it's about who will do a better job for the next four years. romney needs to present something other than, jie, hasn't obama sucked? you cannot win like that. howard dean would be the democratic nominee and president of the united states if that was the case. you have to give people a reason to vote for you. >> steve, you make pay compelling argument there. the debates, perhaps, michael, the next opportunity and the last opportunity for mitt romney to make this case. both sides have elised memos. this is beth myers of the romney campaign. this is what she says in part. it's clear that president obama will use his ample rhett for cal gifts in debating experience at one end. we expect a 90-minute attack ad. david axelrod not to be outdone by the obama campaign. saying we expect mitt romney to be prepared, disciplined and aaggressive. the first debate generally favor challengers. both sides are trying to manage expectations here